7-Eleven Australia appoints new Deputy Chairman

Australian convenience store company 7-Eleven Stores Pty Ltd (7-Eleven Stores) has appointed Michael Smith (FAICD DLitt) as its new Deputy Chairman.

Mr Smith has been a Director of 7-Eleven Stores Pty Ltd since 1999. In addition to his responsibilities as Deputy Chairman, Mr Smith retains his responsibilities as Chairman of the Strategy Committee, and a member of the Audit and Risk Committees.

7-Eleven Stores Pty Ltd, Australia’s first choice in convenience, is a private company owned by the Withers/Barlow family. The company has a license to operate and franchise 7-Eleven stores in Australia from the US based 7-Eleven.

The first Australian store was opened in August 1977. Today 7-Eleven Stores Pty Ltd. operates approximately 600 stores in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory, with 10 stores expected to open in Western Australia by the end of 2015. Australian Food News also reported in May 2014 that 7-Eleven Stores had acquired the Australian operating license for global coffee house giant Starbucks.

Through its store network, 7-Eleven Stores Pty Ltd. conducts more than 180 million transactions a year, serving an average six customers per second, generating sales of approximately $3.4 billion.

Worldwide, 7-Eleven operates more than 53,500 stores in 18 countries, and is opening approximately six stores per day somewhere in the world.

Russ Withers 7-Eleven Stores Chairman, said that Mr Smith’s experience is a great asset to the 7-Eleven business.

“Whilst 7-Eleven Stores Pty. Ltd is a private company, we run to public company standards,” Mr Withers said. “Michael, and our other independent directors, bring to the Board outstanding experience, a clear focus and enhanced governance abilities,” he said.

“Our business has huge potential for continued growth and ongoing success,” Mr Withers said. “Michael, in his new role as Deputy Chairman, the other members of our Board and I, are focused on ensuring the performance of 7-Eleven Australia continues to exceed expectations,” he said.

Mr Smith is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the National Chairman.

He is the Managing Director of Black House Pty Ltd, a Perth based strategy consultancy which consults to a number of leading Australian companies. He currently chairs iiNet Limited, Pioneer Credit and the Lionel Samson Sadleirs Group. He is the Deputy Chair of Automotive Holdings Group Limited. He is also, a Board Member of Giving West and Creative Partnerships Australia.